Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the great figures of the NBA in the last decade, surprised his followers by confessing that he plans to finish his career in Greece, away from the spotlight and the intensity of the American league. In an interview with ANT1's “The 2Night Show,” the two-time MVP said he wants to return to his roots once his NBA career is over.

“I'm 30 years old, I can play in the NBA until I'm 36 or 38. I would like to finish my career with a Greek team, why not? I don't want to live in the United States. As soon as I leave the NBA, I want to return to Greece,” Antetokounmpo said, according to a translation by BasketNews.

The Milwaukee Bucks player didn't rule out any particular institution: “I could finish my career here, whether it's with Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, or Aris. I'm talking about all the teams now.”

The Athens-born forward began his professional career with Filathlitikos, a club in Greece's second division, before being selected in the 2013 Draft. Since then, he has built a legacy in Milwaukee, where he already has a championship (2021), two MVP awards, and multiple All-Star distinctions.

A special season for the Antetokounmpo brothers

Giannis' announcement comes in a historic family context: the Milwaukee Bucks became the first team to have three Antetokounmpo brothers under active contract. According to Shams Charania (ESPN), Alex Antetokounmpo signed a two-way agreement that will allow him to alternate between the G League and the first team, accompanying Giannis and Thanasis.

The move has a strong emotional charge, but also a strategic reading. Milwaukee seeks to keep its main figure satisfied, who in recent years has expressed some concern about the direction of the project. "Many thought Giannis could leave," Charania recalled, "but he will start the season with Milwaukee, although he does not rule out exploring other options in the future."